Hin's 1st C.O.U.N.T. 1,000,000 steps (Sep 7th – 29th, 2009)

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2. The Shandan-Hexibao stretch.

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Sun, Sep 20, 2009 at 10:32 PM

Hello again,
           
After another 6 days walk, have now covered a total of 355.9km, taken 654,848 steps along the wall (total of 668,265 - to/fro to start/end points). On this stretch (Shandan and Hexibao), managed an average of 35km/day over an 11.5hrs day.
           

The 4th day walk was really tough, as I had to cover 43km of the Shandan track, only to find the last 50m of the wall has fallen into the reservoir. And on the 6th day of this stretch (yesterday), it was cold, windy and raining but it only made me speed up my pace.
           

In fact, the 1st 6 days, my stride was 51.3 cm/step and the 2nd 6 days average has increased to 55.1cm/step. Must be getting fitter. Now right on target to complete my 1,000,000 in the next 8 days of walking.
           

I know many of you can't make sense of my attempt. Let me share with you the way I see it, not that I'm trying to justify my trip to anyone.
           
I started with the Vision of C.O.U.N.T (Compassion, Optimism, Unity, Nature, Tomorrow) i.e. Every fortunate person to demonstrate the Compassion of one's heart and donate to the destitute and needy, so that together we can share and partake in the Optimism and hope for the Unity of all peoples to preserve the wonders and beauty of Nature for our children of Tomorrow.
           
My 1st Mission is to take 1,000,000 steps along the Ming Great Wall of China, starting at the   western Gansu end (tail end of the dragon - the head ends at the sea after Beijing), covering the following "walled" (with existing walls) tracks:
           
            Jiayuguan (14.3km)
            Jiuguan (106km)
            Gaotai (28.4km)
            Shandan (13km)
            Hexibao (70km)
            Wuwei (202km)
            Zhongwei (31.3km)
            Sanguankou (55.4km) - hold in reserve.
           
My motivation? The realisation that at 55, is the start of a longer journey in life and that the body is still strong but we need to keep our mind even stronger. And of course the opportunities to still make new friends.
           
My inspiration? You, my friends, my family, relatives and my daughter. The beauty of the new crescent moon beside the lone bright North star at 6am with the Great Wall and the Shandan mountain silhouetted against the orange rising sun, walking thru the fields of bowing yellow sunflowers, the saluting (& listening) corns, the herds of 2-humped camels, the happy villagers and children awaiting the return of their sheep, goats, donkeys, horses from pastures up in the hills across a setting sun. Now if that isn't inspiring?
           
Well, got to get back on track again tomorrow and complete my mission soon.
           
So, friends, spread and help me make a little difference.
           
Take care and we shall talk about Compassion of your hearts later.
           

Rgds,
Hin

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